23. Departure

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- Do you like it? - Merry asked, standing next to me as I put on the suit he had prepared for me.

- Yes, everything is perfect. Thanks Merry. - I said, looking at myself in the mirror and looking at a dark blue three-piece suit, with a black shirt and a blue tie that was just right for me and matched my eyes well.

- This is my job. - said Merry with a smile, bowing slightly.

How understandable, the evening came and I, as promised, came to the Harrow mansion for a dinner party. As soon as I was let through the gate by two of my familiar twin guards, Merry intercepted me and took me to one of the rooms, where everything was already prepared so that I could prepare for dinner.

- Can I leave him? - I asked, unbuttoning my jacket and showing off in front of the mirror. Magnificent suit.

- Of course, it was created especially for you. Besides, it's also my thanks for protecting Lord and little miss. - Merry said with a perfect reverence.

- I was just looking for money, so stop thanking me. Tired already ... - I said displeasedly, finally combing my hair to complete the look.

- No need to be shy, I understand everything. You are such a kind and selfless person. - practically crying, Merry said, looking at me like I was some kind of hero.

'No, the problem is just that you don't understand anything…' - I thought with irritation, deciding not to convince this butler, as this is an extra hassle.

- You have to go. Dinner will be served now. - said Merry, returning to his perfect butler look and checking the time on his pocket watch.

- Okay, take it. - I said readily, thinking to myself: 'I hope this doesn't take too long. I really don't like these kind of events. I want to go home already... I mean, to the Quinjet...'

Under Merry's guidance, we walked through several long corridors and a couple of rooms until we entered a richly decorated dining room with a long dining table, Arthur was already at the head of it, and Kaya was on the right hand.

- Nemo, glad you accepted my invitation. Sit down soon, the first course will be brought soon, you will definitely like it. Merry is a wonderful cook. - Arthur said with a smile, pointing to a seat at the opposite end of the table.

- Yes, thanks. - I said politely, sitting down and following the etiquette, put the napkin on my knees. The fact that I like these events does not mean that I do not know how to behave in a secular society. Still, Bruce also taught Dick little things like that, as he himself had long played the role of a rich playboy.

- I'm sorry for inviting you to dinner so unexpectedly, but I couldn't let you go without the opportunity to reward you in full. - said the overly stubborn Lord, while having an ulterior motive to bring me and his daughter closer.

- Nothing, I already understood that they won't let me go so easily... - I said quietly, caught the eye of Kaya, who turned away, blushing sharply. Ha...

- So, what's new with you? I heard from Mornin that you have already taken root in our village. - Arthur asked, just as Merry brought in the soup.

- Yeah, I like it here, but tomorrow I'm moving on after the Marines take Kuro. - I said calmly as I started my meal. Really delicious…

- Is that so… - Arthur said disappointedly, while Kaya, who was embarrassed to even say a word, lowered her head sadly.

- I've been stuck here. - I said with a shrug, and then added with a smile: - Although, I do not regret it. It turned out to be useful nonetheless.

- In that case, I hope this is not our last meeting. You are always welcome here. - Arthur said with a smile as Kaya looked at me hopefully.

- Of course, I will definitely be back. And I think pretty soon. - I promised as I started eating the steak that Merry had just placed in front of me.

- I'm glad to hear it. Have you figured out what reward you want to receive from me? - asked Lord Harrow.

- Actually, yes. I need help with one thing. - I said seriously, finally moving on to what I came here for.

- O? And how can I help you? - Arthur asked curiously, looking at me with undisguised interest.

- What do you know about selling jewelry? - I asked, with a smirk, already imagining how much money will this idea bring me.

***

- It's time for me to go. - I said when I noticed that it was already quite late. Something we sat too long...

- Of course, I will not detain you. Come on, I'll accompany you. - said Arthur, with whom I have been sitting in his office for the last two hours, discussing our new business.

- Thanks for the help. This will make my life much easier. - I said, thinking to myself: 'Who would have thought he would be so useful.'

- It's my pleasure. I'm happy to help. Moreover, you will do all the main work, and I will only deal with the supply and sale. Besides, I also stay in the black. - Arthur said, clapping me on the shoulder in a friendly way, who nevertheless got his way and I will do him good, even if not in protecting the island.

- In this case, I will bring the first batch of jewelry tomorrow morning, and then I will send my friend. Just don't be surprised by his strange appearance, he just really likes to dress like a ninja. Also, he doesn't talk. - I said, justifying Ninja Khan's appearance and behavior.

- Ok, I understood everything. Then next time, I'll give him your share of the sale. - said my new business partner, and then added: - Also, if you need help or something happens, call my den den mushi, the number I gave you.

- Necessarily. Well, I have to go. And give Kaya my best regards. - I said with a smile when we finally crossed the fence surrounding the mansion.

- It's over. Hope to see you soon. - said Arthur with a smile, whose hand I shook.

- It was a pleasure doing business with you. And wait for the Marines tomorrow. - I said in the end, after which I took advantage of Nuki Ashi and rushed off to the Quinjet, trying not to ruin my new suit, which is surprisingly durable.

In just a few seconds, after traveling more than a kilometer, I was at my jet and immediately noticed Bobbie, who, with the help of Shadowkhan, was decorating the interior of the Quinjet.

- What are you doing? - I immediately asked, looking at this unusual sight.

- I'm beautifying our place. This is our home and we spend a lot of time here, but here everything looks so gray and lifeless. This must be changed. - Bobby said as she placed the pot of flowers on the table.

- So this is, in fact, a military aircraft, what else did you expect? - I involuntarily asked, not knowing how to react to this.

- [Captain, stop her. She ruins everything.] - The Oracle complained.

- I'm not ruining anything. I'm making this place more livable. - Bobby protested as she hung the picture of the ship on the wall.

'It's like I got a girl and she's taking over my house…' - I involuntarily drew an analogy, and then with a sigh I said: - You can do whatever you want, just don't overdo it. And don't you dare paint anything in pastel colors, it's a disgrace.

- Okey. - Bobby said with a smile as she hid the can of paint from me.

- [But the Captain!] - the Oracle shouted indignantly.

- I'm sorry, Oracle, but she's right about something. It is impossible to live all the time in this gray box, without any comfort. But don't worry, I'll make sure everything is in moderation so you don't lose your treat. - I sighed as I took off my jacket.

- [Okay, captain.] - the Oracle said not too pleased and hung up.

- How was dinner? - Bobby asked anyway, looking away from her important work.

- Everything is great. I was able to negotiate with Arthur, and he will become my jewelry dealer. - I said with a smile, untying my tie.

- Details, please. - Bobby said, looking at me curiously.

- Well, as it turns out, the pawnshop owner you sold my jewelry to has already sold them, which caused quite a stir among the rich ladies of this archipelago. The noise has risen so much that it even reached the neighboring islands and now everyone is looking for the one who created such 'beautiful jewelry'. Although, it is clear that not everyone has good intentions, many just want to cash in on talent, but there are those who are really interested in my jewelry and who are ready to buy them. - I said, sitting on it from the chairs.

- That's good, right? - Bobby asked to make sure.

- Of course it works for me. Considering that jewelry is primarily of interest to various rich womens, and they will be the main buyers, then gossip will spread very quickly. Soon, the whole sea will be aware of my jewelry and, given that a noble society, that is still a snake pit, no one wants to give in to their competitors and I will not lack buyers. True, it may draw unwanted attention to me. But this is where Arthur comes in. - I said with a smile.

- He will sell, and you will remain an anonymous jeweler. - Bobby nodded her head.

- Right. Arthur was already aware of the jewelry hype, and when he found out that it was me that mysterious jeweler, he was very surprised, but I just said that this was my little hobby. He is not a stupid person and when I asked for his help in distributing my jewelry, he immediately agreed. Despite the possible risks, he understands that this is a very profitable business, which will bring a lot of income, even if its share is only 15%. Fortunately, thanks to the ability of the Shadowkhans to travel long distances through the Shadow Realms, there is no problem getting the jewelry to Arthur, and we don't even have to return here. & With a very pleased smile, I said.

- But when there is a business that brings money, there will always be someone who wants to cash in on it. You told me yourself that this is always the case. And since Arthur is your dealer, and your identity will remain unknown, they will go to him first of all and obviously not with good intentions. - Bobby said thoughtfully, suggesting the most possible scenario.

- So it is, but Arthur is also not as simple as it seems. He may be weak, but he does have a lot of money and influence, which is enough to hire decent protection, at least for the East Blue. As it turned out, he belongs to a royal family that rules over one large island. Since Arthur is only sixth in line to the throne, he was entrusted with managing this Archipelago, which, in principle, completely suits him, but the power and connections are still with him. - I told what I found out from the mind of Lord Harrow, when we talked with him, in order to better understand this man.

- Since he is so influential, why didn't you ask for some more substantial reward? - Bobby asked the logical question.

- He may be influential, but only in the world of ordinary people. In the world of politics and money. And this is all, as you and I know very well, nothing before real power. So, nothing useful except money, Arthur could not offer me. But, I thought that in the long run, it would be more useful if Arthur took care of all the hassle of selling jewelry, especially since that it will not be a problem for him to do this, and I will only reap the benefits. - I honestly expressed my thoughts on this matter.

- Understandably. I think this is really the maximum that can be squeezed out of an ordinary person, especially in the weakest sea in the world. - Bobby agreed.

- Sounds a little harsh, but that's the way it is. He himself insistently offered a reward, so I will use him without a twinge of conscience. Of course, this task could be left to Nelson, but it would get the attention of high-ranking Marines, so it's better to use an outsider. All the same, Arthur turned up very well. - I said with a shrug.

- It would be sad if you lost such a helpful assistant. - with a little hint, said Bobbie.

- I understand perfectly well that we can't rely only on the people that Arthur will hire for his protection, don't worry. Considering, story with Kuro, that would be stupid. One of my Ninja Khans will remain on the island, who will watch over and protect Arthur and Kaya from anyone who comes with not good intentions. When an enemy appears beyond his strength, he will call us, and we will immediately rush to the rescue. - I said, dispelling Bobby's concern.

- Okey then. Still, sooner or later, your new business will attract the attention of not some local bandits, but big shots from the Underworld, so caution won't hurt. - Bobby said.

- In this, you are undoubtedly right. I think the same Joker would not mind getting a cash cow like me. By the way, it reminded me. It would not be superfluous to target the Emperors of the Underworld, after all, they have a lot of money. And they are not sorry. Only where to look for them, hell knows. - I said thoughtfully, then added: - Anyway, tomorrow we leave the island and go after Eldoraggo.

- Okay, we don't have anything else to do here anyway, I already bought everything that is needed to create a cozy interior. - Bobby said cheerfully and returned to her work.

- I remind you not to overdo it. - I said with a sigh, and again went to the fabricator, since I needed to create a batch of jewelry for Arthur.

***

- Are you sure you don't want to say goodbye? - Bobbiy asked as we left the Gecko Islands and headed towards Shiki Island.

- Udon't like goodbyes. In addition, we can be contacted at any time by den den mushi. - I said calmly, lounging in the pilot's seat and watching the beautiful cloudless sky.

- Well as you know. Pass me the salt. - said Bobbie, who was preparing yet another culinary masterpiece and once again using poor Ninja Khan as her assistant.

This morning, I only met with the Marines, who obviously did not like me, but they had a clear order from Nelson, so after giving me the gold, they went after Kuro. My Ninja Khan also headed there, who handed over the chest with my homemade jewelry to the guards, and who will now monitor the safety of the residents of the mansion.

Finally, I found Usopp, who, when he saw me, ran away screaming in horror (it was for the sake of this reaction that I wanted to see him), and after that we hit the road to Zoro's homeland. Yes, as it turns out, Shimotsuki Village is located on Shiki Island.

I think it would be helpful to visit the Isshin Dojo while searching for Eldoraggo's hideout and learn about the swordsmanship method taught there. It might be helpful for my lightsaber style, since, to be honest, my progress has been disappointing. Although Koushirou is a sexist, he is still a master swordsman, which means a lot in this world and at least his advice will be useful to me.

But, I can only be sure of this when we reach the island, and this will take a few more hours. Since I didn't feel like exercising and working at the fabricator too, I decided to pass the time by reading a random book without distracting Bobby, who was very focused on her cooking.